The art of teaching
Gracie Magazine #118

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By Guilherme Valente and Pedro Valente - Miami, FL

In the first place, a Jiu-Jitsu teacher must posses sound morals and techniques and we have them. My father, who already was a black belt in Jiu-jitsu when we were born, ensured that from a young age all of our Jiu-Jitsu education was given by Helio Gracie himself. This was our greatest University. We received by the hands of Helio Gracie the Diploma of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Professor, a great honor in light of the fact that very few people have this until today. In Brazil, we graduated from the American School. This facilitated our entry in American universities, where we eventually attained Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Pedro in Business Administration and myself in Sport Management. Initially our plan was to pursue careers in these respective fields, however, my brother Pedro founded a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu club at UM, which eventually gave origin to Gracie Miami. Obviously, our academic background has helped tremendously in the organization, planning, and realization of this dream that today is our school in North Miami Beach. My brother and I created a teaching method with a variety of curriculums based on the 36 lesson private system of the 1950's Gracie Academy in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Our new method was submitted to Grandmaster Helio and approved. Today, this innovative teaching style has proven to be very efficient and enjoys great acceptance by our students and fellow teachers who end up implementing it in their own schools.

The answer is in the question. The secret is to divide time. On a weekly basis we meet to discuss administrative and technical is¬sues. We have a collaborator who has accompanied Pedro since the American School, who also graduated from UM and learned Jiu-Jitsu with him-James Robertson, today a black belt as well. Obviously, we have assistants: instructors, secretaries, and an accountant, besides students who voluntarily assist us.

To achieve success as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, possessing knowledge or being a good fighter is not enough. It is necessary to know how to teach, understand pedagogy and psychology, and especially, be totally dedicated, which means, like what you do. Be organized, methodic, and punctual. Cultivate discipline, cleanliness, get to know every student. Solve his problems, mainly in respect to security and self-confidence. It is not easy but it is necessary tc enjoy what you do. We would like to cite a phrase Carlos and Helic Gracie repeated frequently: "He who works thinking of money is not worth what he earns."